Two years ago today, I had a thought that had more of an effect on me than I ever could have imagined. Within just a few minutes, I made the decision to start a blog (which became a website once I'd seen how easy it was to create), and I set to work writing my first blog post about Henry Fitzroy. Of course, maybe two people read that post at the time, and I had virtually no way to advertise my writing, but I was writing nonetheless and it felt great. Little did I know that within a year I would be creating a Facebook page for my site, and my Twitter would become largely devoted to all things Tudor Enthusiast! Now, looking back at the two years I've spent blogging, hearing from my readers, and communicating with authors and historians, I simply can't believe how lucky I have been! Literally, a decision that took about ten minutes to make has changed so much in my life and set me up for things I never could have imagined.

Looking at the Tudor Enthusiast Facebook page this morning, I saw that we have 1,960 fans who are taking part in this great community. One thousand nine hundred and sixty. I remember when I was struggling to get 100 fans, and the night I hit that mark I about jumped through the roof with excitement. The idea for me is not to feel "popular" because I have people reading what I write - it is to feel like we're building a community around the most wonderful historical period, and that we can all bond and have a good time discussing them as a result. It absolutely blows my mind that we're quickly reaching the 2,000 fan mark. I can honestly say that I had NEVER expected that!Through writing The Tudor Enthusiast, I have the wonderful and unique opportunity to correspond with historical fiction authors and publishing companies who want to get their books out there for avid readers. I am always ecstatic when I receive an email from someone asking me to review their book or offer a giveaway (by the way, I'm doing both right now!). I am still baffled by the fact that this website, which started out so small, has reached the ears and notice of some of the top publishing companies in the US and the UK, and that we have some of the top-selling historical authors in the world following and enjoying what's being said on our Facebook page and on the blog. One of the most amazing experiences I've had so far as The Tudor Enthusiast has been the chance to study at the University of Oxford for a semester (August to December 2012). Although that wasn't an opportunity given as a result of my website, it gave me a wonderful opportunity to spread even more Tudor love and knowledge to those who were reading what I wrote. It also gave me my first chance to formally study the Tudors in an academic setting. I hope and pray it will not be my last opportunity! While in the UK, I had the chance to meet Dr. Suzannah Lipscomb, a very popular and successful Tudor historian, who told me a lot about her work and got me fired up about the chance to follow in her professional footsteps. I also had the unique opportunity to meet the stepson of Michael Hirst (writer of The Tudors, as well as several other succesful period dramas). These are experiences that I will never forget, and which have helped me grow in my journey as The Tudor Enthusiast. I am exceedingly grateful for every opportunity that has come along because of the passion I have for this history!

Whether I'm reviewing a novel for an author or reading an email from an enthusiastic little girl who dreams of being an historian, I'm loving every second of this experience. I want to make it clear to everyone reading this that, as much fun as blogging about history is for me, what really makes it worth it is the kind emails I receive from YOU! It always brightens my day to hear that people are enjoying the community I've worked so hard to build, and it shows me that my blogging, reviewing, and overall effort isn't for nothing! The fact that people truly enjoy the Tudors brings me so much joy and gives me the inspiration to carry on with my writing! I really appreciate the way you respect me as a blogger, even though I am not a degree-holding historian. With that being said, I have very real aspirations to become an historian, and I know that The Tudor Enthusiast is helping me make that dream a reality. One of my greatest wishes is to become a published author, and to make the most of my love for the sixteenth century. Even though I'm not there yet, I'm taking steps every day, and writing this website is helping to keep that goal at the forefront of my mind! From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for the support and love you give to me. Thank you for your love and interest in the Tudors. Thank you for the questions, comments, and constructive criticism - I read and appreciate them ALL! I am so excited to continue writing and managing this website and its accompanying Facebook and Twitter. My great wish is that you all will continue to enjoy what I post, and that we'll all grow in our love and knowledge of the Tudors through this exciting and fast-growing community. What a fantastic two years... Here's to MANY more!!!